Sebastiani Winery

The history of Sebastiani Vineyards dates back to 1825. In that year, the Franciscan fathers of nearby mission San Francisco Solano, assisted by local native Americans, first cleared and planted land for their vineyards. These vineyards are among the oldest vineyard sites in northern California. They were acquired in 1904 by Samuele Sebastiani, the founder of our family winery, who immigrated from the wine producing region of Tuscany, Italy in 1895. Samuele's story is an interesting one. When he first arrived in California, like most immigrants of the time, he literally had nothing but the clothes on his back. He began working at odd jobs and finally saved enough money to purchase a horse and wagon, which he used to haul cobblestones from a quarry in the hill behind Sonoma. The stones were used to help pave the streets of San Francisco. By 1904, with the money he saved from this enterprise he was able to buy land, our original stone winery, and grow grapes. He began making fine Sonoma Valley wine, a craft he learned before immigrating to America. Shortly after Samuele's death in 1944, his son August Sebastiani and August's wife Sylvia purchased the winery from his father's estate. August increased the winery's production a hundredfold. He was able to do this with creative ideas such as putting premium varietal wines in popularly priced magnums. He introduced "Noveau" Gamay Beaujolais to America, and he created a blush wine knows as Pinot Noir Blanc, which he called "Eye of the Swan". The color of this wine reminded him of the pinkish color of the eyes of his Australian black swans. All of these endeavors proved to be very successful. August soon gained a reputation as one of America's most skilled and innovative winemakers. Sylvia Sebastiani stood tribute to the legend of her wine-pioneering husband August. Sylvia was involved in the winery and its hospitality and tasting room facilities. She often visited the tasting room to sign copies of her world famous cookbook, Mangiamo! Let's Eat. The third generation of the famous wine making family has taken on the leadership role with Mary Ann Sebastiani Cuneo, President and Chief Executive Officer. The daughter of August and Sylvia Sebastiani, Mary Ann guides the company in its renaissance and emphasis on becoming the leader among Sonoma Valley's quality wineries. Mary Ann officially joined the winery in 1980, managing all winery property, real estate dealings and the hospitality department. Today, Mary Ann's attention is focused on the ambitious two-year project to renovate and retrofit the original winery building, which was built in 1903. Mary Ann continues the management of the company's real estate holdings. She has also been actively involved in Boy Scouts of America and Sonoma Valley Hospital. Richard A. Cuneo has been an integral part of the winery since 1974. Having served as Vice-president, Senior Vice-president, and President, Cuneo presently serves as the company's Chairman of the Board. He has also taken time to be involved in his local community of Sonoma by participation on the Sonoma Valley School Board, Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce and on the Board of Directors for Hanna Boys Center. An avid conservationist, Cuneo has been active in an official capacity with the California Wildlife Foundation, California Fish and Game and Ducks Unlimited. In addition, Cuneo served a number of years as a Director of the California State Fair. Mary Ann and Richard Cuneo have three grown sons, Angelo, Marc, and Josef. The fourth generation member of the family actively involved in the company is Marc Cuneo. Marc is Director of Grower Relations at the winery. He also travels extensively throughout the country, providing seminars and tastings. Look for him in your neighborhood. In his spare time, Marc is involved in National Outdoor Leadership as a NOLS Leader. He loves bike riding, skiing, golfing, and mountain climbing. Marc also oversees his own vineyard of Pinot Noir in the Carneros Region.